I recently learned how to pan fry salmon, and it has changed the way I cook it. The golden sear that forms in the pan adds depth and flavour while keeping the fish moist and tender. Serve it with your favourite sauce or enjoy it simply seasoned—either way it’s delicious!
Salmon is one of my favourite foods. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice. I used to bake it, which takes longer and heats up the kitchen. Learning to pan fry salmon was a game changer—quick, easy and perfect for warm weather when I try to avoid turning the oven on.
How long to pan fry salmon?
Pan fry salmon for about 5–6 minutes per side over medium-high heat. Thicker fillets may need 6–7 minutes per side. Cook until the flesh flakes easily and reaches a safe internal temperature (145°F / 63°C) if you use a thermometer.
How to season salmon?
There are many seasoning options: lemon juice and dill for a classic pairing, garlic and butter for richness, or store-bought seafood seasoning blends for convenience. Try lemon pepper, garlic pepper, or a touch of ginger for a bit of heat. Season simply with salt and pepper if you prefer a clean, natural flavour.
A practical tip: cut a full fillet into smaller portions (about 200 g each or three pieces) before frying. Smaller portions are easier to flip and less likely to break apart while cooking. Try to keep the pieces similar in size and thickness so they finish at the same time.
Karami
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How to Pan Fry Salmon
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- Prep Time
- 2 minutes
- Cook Time
- 12 minutes
- Total Time
- 14 minutes
- Course
- Main Course
- Cuisine
- American
- Servings
- 2
- Author
- Karami Urbanoski
Ingredients
- 1 Salmon fillet — cut into about 200 g pieces (or 3 parts)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch pepper
Instructions
- Place fresh or thawed salmon fillets on a plate. Season with salt, pepper or your preferred seasoning, then cut to your preferred size.
- Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and melt the butter.
- Add the salmon fillets to the pan and fry for about 5 minutes per side. For thicker fillets, fry 6–7 minutes per side, or until the fish flakes easily and is cooked through.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
All calories and nutrition information are estimates and will vary depending on ingredients, portion sizes and preparation methods.
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